Tobacco growing and cigar shops have been a part of the Lincoln Highway history for many years. And although the Lincoln Highway branded cigars were manufactured in the mid-west, south central Pennsylvania has a rich history of growing tobacco, manufacturing and smoking cigars. Local historian Stephen H. Smith has written many articles about cigar manufacturers of York County.
The Lincoln Highway Cigar Store stood along Market Street in York. We’re doubtful that they had the green light to use the official Lincoln Highway logo but there it was blazed in the storefront window for cross country travelers to pull over and purchase a cigar. Today, you can find a good cigar in York at either Castas Cigars Company in the Royal Square District near the hotel or head over to Stogies Smoking Bar at the White Rose Bar and Grill. Find out more about the connection between stogies and Conestoga Wagons at Stogie: Cigar of the Conestoga Wagoner Driver
The Demuth Tobacco Shop along the Lincoln Highway goes back to before the Revolution and it is said that George Washington purchased tobacco here. The rich history of this store is available at Demuth Museum. Today, the location is a popular museum that you can visit. You’ll still see tobacco growing in the fields on Amish farms along the Lincoln Highway or the leaves drying in barns after harvest.
Other cigar stores you may want to visit include the J.M. Boswell’s in Chambersburg. They have a Lincoln Highway porcelain sign outside their shop. In Gettysburg check out the Gettysburg Cigar Company. During the opening reception we are providing complimentary bubble gum “Lincoln Highway” cigars to all our guests. Did you know that bubble gum was invented Pennsylvania? Celebrate out 250th by blowing a bubble or blowing some smoke and enjoy the conference.
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